Why use plants that need lots of Water?

Arizona Poppy - grows well in hot climates

Rosemary - Can withstand hot temperatures for long period of time

Desert Penstemons - Can grow in hot climates

• Water for growing
• Sustainable Gardening 

As our need for water increases from the worlds ever increasing population and through climate change, we need to question our needs and current growing practices on a domestic and also on a larger agricultural level. Some of the issues when deciding what and where to plant are:

•   Choosing suitable plants for suitable climates

On a domestic scale this means choosing an indigenous or suitable species for the climate. On a larger scale this could be the introduction of drought resistant crops. Genetic modification by scientists to isolate the “drought resistant” gene has been successful in some species. In dry climates xeriscaping is a technique which by choosing plants which require little or no water it reduces water use.

http://xeriscapelandscaping.org/

•   Plants increase the grounds ability to hold water

The more we build, the less capacity the ground has to absorb water. Allowing for more green space can help control flooding during times of high rainfall and and also potential ground water is recharged back into the carbon cycle (absorbed by plants > photosynthesis > absorbs carbon dioxide > produces oxygen). It also reduces the demands on treatment plants which receive combined loads of storm water and domestic waste.

http://www.thehighline.org/design/high-line-design

http://www.refresheverything.com/mattstrees

•   Maintenance - Controlling weeds and turning the soil.

To allow gardens to be more efficient eliminating anything within the ground that competes for water gives the plants the best chance of doing well.